Divider or partition means



June 4, 1963 Filed April 12, 1962 J. L. BELLERIVE DIVIDER OR PARTITION MEANS 4 Sheets-SheetA 1 INVENTOR.'

June 4, 1963 1. L. BELLERIVE 3,092,297

DIVIDER 0R PARTITION MEANS INV ENTOR.

June 4, 1963 1. L. BELLERIVE 3,092,297

DIVIDER 0R PARTITION MEANS f5 52 :53 47 @.15 INVENTOR 46 6 BY June 4, 1963 J. L. BELLERIVE 3,092,297

DIVIDER 0R PARTITION MEANS United States Patent O 3,092,297 DIVIDER R PARTITION MEANS Joseph L. Belierive, Westmount, Ill., assigner to E. J. Brach & Sons, Chicago, Ill., a corporation of Illinois Filed Apr. 12, 1962, Ser. No. 187,074 12 Claims. (Cl. 229-28) The present invention relates to the fabrication from sheet stock of divider or partitioning means which may be either self-sustaining or adapted for insertion in -a box or other receptacle to define individual compartments or recesses for reception and separation of articles.

For example, candy of -a fragile nature is customarily packaged in sa box having cardboard dividers therein to separate the pieces of candy from one another and protect them from damage.

The object of the present invention is to provide yan improved divider of the general character.

Another object is to provide a divider formed from a single iiat sheet of the selected stock (such as candy box board) having an `area significantly smaller than hereto- Lfore required.

An additional object of the invention is to provide an improved divider that is self-sustaining so articles may be packaged Iand transported therein prior to insertion in -a box; yand that may constitute the entire box board components of an attractive transparent film wrapped package.

A further object of the invention is the provision of improved divider means fabricated from a single sheet of stock that is simply slit and scored to define the component parts of the divider and that is quickly set-up, either by hand or machine, into `self-sustaining compartmental form.

A still further object of the invention is the fabrication of the improved divider without waste from flat sheet stock by simply cutting and scoring the sheet and lwithout cutting away parts thereof.

Other objects and advantages `of the invention will become apparent in the following detailed description.

Now, in order to acquaint those skilled in the lart with the manner of making and using my improved divider or partition means, I shall describe, in `connection with the accompanying drawings, several preferred embodiments of my divider and the preferred manners of making and using the same.

In lthe drawings, -wherein like reference numerals indicate like parts:

FIGURE 1 is a fragmentary plan view of a die-cut and scored blank for a divider having two rows of compartments or recesses;

FIGURE 2 is a vertical cross-section of the divider formed from the blank of FIGURE l, the view being taken at that part of the blank depicted by line 2-2 on FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 3 is `a fragmentary plan view similar to FIG- URE l of a blank for a divider having a single row of compartments;

*IGURE 4 is Ka vertical cross-section of the divider formed from the blank of FIGURE 3;

FIGURE 5 is a fragmentary plan view of another tworow divider blank;

FIGURE 6 is a cross-sectional view of the divider formed from the blank of FIGURE 5;

FIGURE 7 is a fragmentary plan view of a blank for a three-row divider;

FIGURE S is a vertical cross-section of the divider formed from the blank of FIGURE 7, the view being taken at that part of the blank ydepicted by line 8 8 on FIGURE 7;

ice

FIGURE 9 is ra crossasectional View similar to FIGURE 8 but ltaken on line 9 9 of FIGURE 7;

FIGURE 10 is a View similar to FIGURE 8 of a modiiication of that divider;

FIGURE ll is a fragmentary plan View of a further modification of a two-row divider blank;

FIGURE 12 is a cross-section of the divider formed from the blank of -FIGURE l1;

FIGURE 13 is a fragmentary sectional view taken substantially on line 13-13- of FIGURE 12 and showing the locking means of that divider;

FIGURE 14 is a fragmentary plan view of Ia still further rnodiication of a two-row divider blank;

FIGURE l5 is a cross-section of the divider formed from the blank of FIGURE 14, the View yshowing the same in condition to afford maximum protection of the articles deposited in the compartments thereof;

FIGURE 16 is a fragment-ary plan view of Ia blank for a second embodiment of fa three-row divider;

FIGURE 17 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG- URE 8 of the divider formed from the blank of FIGURE 16, the view being taken along `a line corresponding to line 17-17 of FIGURE 16;

FIGURES 18 and 19 are cross-sectional views of two and one row dividers embodying the principles of FIG- URES 116 and 17;

FIGURE 20 is a fragmentary plan view of a blank comprising a modification of FIGURES 16 to 19;

FIGURE 2l is a fragmentary vertical section of the divider formed from the blank of FIGURE 20;

FIGURE 22 is a fragmentary plan view of a blank ycomprising a further modification of FIGURES 16 to 19; and

FIGURE 23 is a fragmentary vertical section of the divider formed from the blank of FIGURE 22.

In all of the plan views above described, slits or cuts in the blank are depicted by a single solid line, and fold lines are depicted by a pair of lines disposed closely adjacent one another. It is to be understood, of course, that the fold lines may be defined by a single score, a perforation, spaced slits, or in any .other manner practiced in the art.

Referring now to the drawings, and particularly to FIGURES l and 2, I have shown a first embodiment of my invention as comprised of a flat unitary sheet of paper board or other suitable material which is die cut and scored in any manner conventional in the art to define longitudinally extending side ribs 21 and 22 along the opposite side edges thereof, a longitudinally extending intermediate rib 23 centrally between the side ribs, transverse end ribs 24 extending between the center rib and each side rib, and a plurality of longitudinally spaced transversely extending divider ribs 25 extending between the center rib and each side rib. In the disclosed embodiments of the invention, the transverse 'divider ribs 25 are aligned with one another, which is preferred, but staggering of these ribs may be permitted if that is feasible or necessary in any particular case.

In the FIGURE .1 embodiment, the only die-cuts within the interior of the blank are generally transversely extending cuts 26 along each edge `of the end and divider ribs which serve to separate the end and divider ribs from the portions of the blank lying therebetween.

The fold lines consist of Ifirst longitudinal fold lines 27 between the end and divider ribs at each side of the intermediate rib 23, second longitudinal fold lines 28 in the portions of the sheet between the end and divider ribs spaced from the rst fold lines, third fold lines v29 which in this case comprise continuous longitudinally extending fold lines along the inner edge of each of the side ribs 21 and 22, and fourth longitudinal fold 3 lines 30 in the end and divider ribs spaced inwardly from said third fold lines.

In the embodiment of the invention depicted in FIG- URES l and 2, the fold lines 28 and 3Q are spaced equal distances respectively from the -fold lines 27 and 29 for the purpose of defining parallel top and bottom walls to the divider as will presently appear.

Each of the side ribs 21 and 22 of the blank is comprised of an inwardly disposed base portion 31 and an outwardly disposed tab portion Vcomprised of longitudinally spaced laterally extending tabs 32 aligned respectively with the end and divider ribs 24 and 25 and each having ad-hesive thereon adjacent its outer end, as indicated Yat 33. 4 Y

To complete the blank for delivery to a user, the side ribs 21 and 22 are preferably folded over on top of the remainder of the blank along the fold lines 29, whereupon the adhesive 33 :on the tabs 32 seals the tabs to respective ones of the end and divider ribs 24 and 25.

By virtue of the die cuts and fold lines in the blank, the portions of the sheet between adjacent pairs of longitudinal ribs and between adjacent pairs of end and divider ribs comprise panels each divided by said iirst and second fold lines into an inner panel section 50 and an outer panel ysection 51. Similarly, the fold lines 29 and 30 divide each of the end Vand divider ribs 24 and 25 into an inner rib section 52 and an outer rib section 53.

Toset the divider up for use, each inner panel section 50 and each rib sectionY 53 is folded Ydownwardly about the fold lines 27 and 30, respectively, to cause the sections Sil-and 53 to be disposed in spaced parallel upright position, as shown in FIGURE 2. When these folds are accomplished, the inner panel sections t! comprise inwardly disposed longitudinally extending vertical divider walls; the outer panel sections 51 comprise horizontally extending bottom wall portions; the central rib Y23 and the transverse rib sections 52 comprise top wall portions disposed in spaced parallel relation to the panel sections 51, YVwith the ribs 23, 24 and 25 dening two parallel rows of upwardly open recesses; and the two Vside ribs V21 and 22 with the rib sections 53 form side walls for the divider, as shown in FIGURE 2-. Y f

To assist the ribs 21 and 22 in defining side wall means for the divider, the rib defining transverse cuts 26 may each comprise a irst transverse portion 26a extending between the first and fourth fold lines 27 and 36, a second transverse portion 26h between said third and fourth fold lines 29 yandlspace-d from saidr first portion 26a iny the direction of the facing edge of the next adjacent end or divider rib, and a generally longitudinal portion 26Cr connecting the portions 26a` and 2617. As a consequence the vertically disposed outer sections 53. of the transverse ,ribs 24 and 25 extend longitudinally inward ofthe recess area dened in the upper wall portion'of the divider, thereby to form partial side wall retainers for articles placed in the recesses. Y

In the embodiment of FIGURES 1 andV 2, no divider walls have been provided between the recesses or compartments in each row, as it is intended that the divider n be somewhat more shallow than the articles to be placed therein, whereby the articles will be held in place by Y the vertical walls y50, 21 and 22, the portions of the rib sections V5'3-comprising side wall retainers, and the rib sections 52. Should dividing walls be required between the-compartments in eachrow, the sameY can` be pro- V' Y vided in the manner to be described hereinafter in conjunction with FIGURES :14 and l5. Y

lThus, it isV seen that a rdivider providing two spaced parallel rowsV of individual compartments is provided very economically `andexpeditiously from a single sheetof starting material, and that the Vdivider is erected Yfrom the f blank4 in a very simple and straightforward manner.

To embody the advantages of the present invention in a divider having a single row of compartments, a blank 4 substantially identical to one longitudinal half of the blank shown in FIGUREl may readily be fabricated, for example as shown in FIGURES 3Y and 4. In this embodiment, the blank is identical to one longitudinal half of the blank shown in FIGURE l, with the exceptions that the fold line'27 extends continuously along one edge of the intermediate rib 23 and that the intermediate rib is provided with outwardly extending tabs 34 aligned with the panel sections 50. Each tab 34 is provided adjacent its outer edge on the lower surface thereof with a coating of adhesive, as indicated at 35. yBy virtue of the continuity of the fold line 27, the"intermediate rib 23 may be folded under the remainder of the blank to bring the tabs 34 liush againstrcorresponding panelsectionsV 50, whereupon the adhesive 35 will adhere the tabs Vto the panel sections. Then, when the blank is set up in substantially the same manner as above described Vwith'reference to FIGURE 2, the single row divider depicted in 'FIGURE 4 will be produced. j

As 'will ybe appreciated from FIGURE 3, fabrication of the side rib tabs 32 of a dimension slightly less than the rib sections 53, and fabrication of the intermediate rib tabs 34 of a dimension slightly less than that of the panel sections 50, will facilitate formation Vof divider blanks in side-by-side relation from a large sheet of the selected stock without any signicant waste of the stock. In this manner, a single row divider may be fabricated with particular economy and facility.

Another embodiment of a two-row divider is shown in FIGURES 5 and 6. This embodiment of the invention is identical to that shown in FIGURES l and 2, with the exceptions that the third fold lines 29 need not be continuous, and may be provided only in each end and divider-rib 24 and 25 adjacent each side ribgand that the tabs 32 and the adhesive 33 are omitted. This divider will not be quite as rigid or as capable of sustaining itself as the divider of FIGURES l and 2. However, when the divider of FIGURES 5 and 6 is placed in a box with the sideV ribs 21 and 22 thereof abutting edgewise against the sides of the box, the divider will be securely positioned within Ythe box and will permit the Yside walls of the lbox to serve as side walls for the cornpartments defined by the divider.

Referring now to FIGURES 7 to 9, I have shown a divider blank formed in accordance with -rny invention to define three spaced parallel rows of article receiving compartments. As will be appreciated from a comparison with FIGURE l, this divider includes two side sections or portions identical respectively to thetwo longitudinal halves of the divider shown in FIGURE 1, plus an intermediate portion 36 lying between two of the intermediate ribs.23. The intermediate portion 36 is divided byV cuts and score -lines into two sets of aligned end ribs 37 and a plurality of pairs of aligned intermediate or divider ribs 38, which end and divider ribsextend adjacent the i 38 at the adjacent ends thereof, i.e., at the ends thereofY spaced from the intermediate ribs 23; :fold lines 41 comprised of sixth and seventh longitudinal fold lines 41a and 41b which in this embodiment are aligned and extend continuously through the intermediate portion 36 in respective locations between the intermediatelongitudinal ribs 23 and said fth foldY lines 40; and longitudinal delineations 42, which in this embodiment comprise eighth fold lines between the transverse ribs 37 and 38 adjacent each longitudinal intermediate rib 23. 1

The cuts and fold lines in the intermediate portion dene between adjacent pairs of the ribs 23 and between adjacent pairs of the ribs 37- and 38 a plurality of panels,

each of which is divided by the fold lines 41b and 42 into a central panel S4 and a pair of edge panels S5 and 56. The fold lines 41a similarly divide each of the ribs 37 and 38 into central rib sections 57 and edge rib sections 58.

To set this divider up, the two side sections are manipulated in the same manner as described with reference to FIGURES 1 and 2, to form two side rows of compartments, as will be appreciated from a comparison of FIGURES 2 and 8. Then, the edge panel sections 55 and 56 in the central portion 36 are folded downwardly on the fold llines 42 and upwardly relative to the fold lines 4117; and the central rib sections 57 are folded downwardly about the fold lines 41a and upwardly relative to the fold lines 40, thereby to form the completed divider shown in FIGURES 8 and 9. By making the panel sections 55 and 55 and the rib sections 57 of the same transverse dimension as the panel sections 59 and the rib sections 53, a rectangulm divider construction is maintained. Depending upon the width of the intermediate section, and the particular location of the fold `lines 4l, the central panel sections of the intermediate portion of the divider may be made of the same size, larger or smaller than the panel sections 51 of the two outboard rows, thereby to afford a central row of compartments of the same size as, smaller than or larger than the outboard rows of compartments. In the structure illustrated in FIGURES 7 to 9, the central row of compartments has been made the same size as the outboard rows.

The divider blank shown in FIGURE 7 lends itself to fabrication of a still further embodiment of the invention providing three rows of compartments wherein the centrai row is of variable width to facilitate use of the divider for a variety of purposes. For example, with an expansible and contractable central row, the divider could be used for packing three rows of candy all of substantially the same size, or it could be used for the packing of pieces of candy of the same size in the outboard rows and generally oblong lmger pieces of candy in the central ro-w. This result is achieved simply by slitting the blank in the locations previously occupied by the fold lines 42 and eliminating the portions 41b of the fold lines 41 lying between the transverse ribs 37 and 38. Then, when the blank is folded into upstanding condition as shown in FIGURE 10, the panels defined ybetween adjacent pairs of the intermediate longitudinal ribs 23 and Ibetween adjacent pairs of the transverse ribs 37 and 38 comprises a panel 59 over which the panel sections 51 slidably engage. The rib sections 57 of the intermediate portion 36 then may be folded toward and away from one another to accommodate variation of the width of the central pocket between the dimensions X and Y depicted in FIGURE l0.

Referring now to FIGURES 11 to 13, I have shown an embodiment of my invention adapted to be set-up in a rigid self-sustaining position without necessity for gluing or any form of adhesive, and wherein the rigidity of the divider is attained by the interlocking of cooperable portions of the dat sheet from which the blank is formed. Specifically, this embodiment of the invention is identical to that shown in FIGURES 1 and 2 with the exception that the side ribs 21 and 22 are of a width equal substantially to the height of the outer sections 53 of the transverse lribs 24 and 25, are substantially continuous and are provided within the tab area thereof wit-h die cuts indicated at 43 dening a plurality of longitudinally spaced tabs 44.l In the illustrated embodiment, the tabs 44 are tapered to be of increasing width in the outward direction and are so dimensioned that the outer edge portions thereof are of a length greater than the spacing between the facing `edges of adjacent pairs of the transverse ribs 24 and 25. When the divider is set-up, in the same manner as previously described with respect to FIGURES 1 and 2, a divider of the construction illustrated in FIGURE l2 is formed, whereupon the outer or upper edge portions of the tabs 43 may be pressed inwardly into the space be tween adjacent pairs of the rib sections 53 so that the lateral edge portions `of each tab will engage behind a respective pair of the rib sections 53 to maintain the divider in set-up condition, as illustrated in FIGURES 12 and 13. By virtue of this construction, the blank may be fabricated withou-t waste, may be formed, shipped and handled in the flat, and may quickly be set up for use, either by hand or machine, without necessity for glue, adhesive, or other fastening means.

The embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG- URE 14 has for its prime objective the provision of transverse protective wall means for .the divider of the invention. In the simplest embodiment, the transverse protective walls are lformed simply by appropriate variation of the transverse cuts 26 and the addition of transverse `fold lines for the purpose of removing vfrom the recess lbottom and side forming panel sections 59 and 51 and adding to the transverse ribs 24 and 25 suiicient material to form transverse walls. For example, as shown in FIGURE 14, the transverse cuts 26 may comprise a pair of daigonal cut portions 25d and 26e extending respectively from the ifold lines 27 and 30 diagonally inwardly (i.e., inwardly relative to the panel sections 50 and 51) ytoward the fold line 2S and connecting with one `another at the fold line. Each transverse cut 26 is then completed by a transversely extending portion 261 corresponding to the previously described portion 26h, and a generally longitudinal connection portion 26g correspondring to the portion 26C previously described.

Within the generally diamond-shaped area thus defined by the diagonal cut portions 26d and 26e, I provide a pair of spaced parallel fold lines 45 which serve to define areas corresponding identically to the previously described r-ib sections 52, and to define to opposite sides of each rib section 52 a pair of generally triangular tab portions 60 which are adapted to be folded relative to the respective rib section to define transverse wall means when the divider is set-up.

Specifically, after the divider has been set-up in essentially the same manner as described in conjunction wit-h FIGURES 1 and 2, the triangular transversely disposed tabs 6G may be turned downwardly to define transverse partitioning walls between adjacent compartments or recesses in each ro-w; the tabs may be turned upwardly to dene upwardly projecting protective wall means as shown ni FIGURE l5; or one tab of each adjacent pair may be turned downward to dene a transverse partition wall, and the other tab may be turned up to dene an upwardly extending protective member. Thus, it is seen that according to the present invention transverse partitioning and/ or protective walls can be delined with particular expediency and economy from a single dat sheet of divider forming material.

In addition to the foregoing, the embodiment of the invention shown in FIGURES 14 and 15 incorporates means providing further upstanding protective elements adapted for cooperation with the protective tabs 6l) when some or all of the tabs are folded into an 4upwardly projecting position. Specifically, in this embodiment of the invention, each side rib 21 and 22 or" the blank is of a width greater than the height of the rib sections 53 by a distance equal to the longitudinal dimension of the triangular tabs 60 as illustrated in IFIGURE 14. Each side rib co-mprises a base portion 46 of a width equal approximately to the height of the rib sections 53, and each rib is provided outwardly of the base portion with a plurality of transverse cuts defining tabs 47 similar to the tabs 44 and' aligned respectively with the space between adjacent pairs of the ribs 24 and 25, each of the tabs 47 being of a width greater than the spacing between the facing edges of adjacent pairs of the rib sections 53.

When the box is set-up, as shown in FIGURE 15, the tabs 47 are folded inwardly and downwardly over the upper edges of the rib sections 53, thereby to form locking means retaining the divider in set-up position. In this position, the portions 61 of the blank between the tab 47 extend upwardly to a height equal to that of the upward extension -of the tabs 6i), thereby to define spaced vertical supports assisting the tabs 69 in protection of articles placed in the recesses or compartments defined by the divider. These upwardly projecting portions 60 and 61 are of particular benefit when fragile articles, such as pieces of candy, are to be packed in the recesses or com; partments with the candy extending above the top plane ofthe ribs 23, 24 and 25, and dividers packed with candy are to be stacked on top of one another for transport to a boxing or wrapping area. -Under these circumstances, the upwardly projecting portions 60 and 61 space the next upward divider above the pieces of candy in the subject divider, thereby to protect the candy and the subject divider from damage.

Referring now to FIGURES 16 to 19, I have shown Y manners in which the principles utilized in the central portion 36 ofthe divider of FIGURES 7 to l0 may be fol-V lowed in forming nthree, two and one row dividers. A three row divider is shown in FIGURES 16 and 17 Wherein the central or intermediate portion 36 is identical to the intermediate portion previously described, except that the fold lines 41a and 41b are staggered in such relation as to deline taller, narrower recesses, as will be appreciated from a comparison of FIGURES 8 and 17. The transverse end and divider ribs projecting outwardly from the intermediate longitudinal ribs 23 are formed identical to the ribs 37 and 38 in the intermediate portion 36 and are therefore indicated by the same numerals, the fold lines 41a dividing the same into inner and outer rib sections 58 and 57 and the fold lines 41b dividing the parts between adjacent pairs of said ribs into inner and `ou-ter panel sections 55 and 54. Y

Each side section or portion of the sheet outwardly of the last-described transverse ribs is comprised of sufcient material to complete side panel sections 54 identical to the :central panel sections 54 and to define an edge section 65 of a width equal to Ithat of the panel sections 55. Within these portions of the sheet, I dene transverse end and divider ribs similar to but shorter than the ribs 37 and 38 and dividedinto rib sections 67 and '68 by fold lines 41C, which l'are suitably aligned with linesV 41d de- Y lineating 'the side panel sections '54 and the edge sections 65. Each yof these ribs is provided atritsY ends with fold lines 7 it and 72 lwhich respectively establish a pivotal connection between the rib section 67 and the sidepanel section -54 land between the rib section 68 and an intermediate portion of the edge section 65. By'virtue of the described location of the rib sections 68 and the fold lines 72, each edge section 65 comprises in part a longitudinal side rib for the divider.

To set the divider up for use, the central section S6 and the rib and panel sections projecting outwardly from the intermediate ribs 23 are manipulated in the manner previously described with reference to the central section of therembodiment of the invention shown in FIGURES 7 to 9. Thereafter lthe rib sections 67 and the edge sections 65 are folded upwardly about the fold lines 70 and 41d, respectively, thereby to dene the three row divider of FIGURE v17, wherein the panel sections 54'comprise recess bottoms, the panel sections 55 and 65 comprise recess side walls and the transverse ribs constitute partitions between recesses.

V'Ilo form a two row divider, the same blanking procedures as above described may be followed, except that the central section 36 and one intermediate longitudinal rib 23 are omitted. Following folding, the resultant blank will produce the divider depicted in FIGURE 18.

A Vsingle row' divider or partition may be fabricated from two of the side sec-tions described with reference to FIGURE `16, i.e., a panel54, twoedge sections 65 and tWo sets of ribs 167-68, the resultant divider being Vshown in FIGURE 19. Y

VVariations on the basic arrangement depicted in FIG-A .part or gusset 75 is formed between the panel sections `54 and 65. The transverseV ribs could of course be treated in similar manner.

Also in FIGURES 20 and 2.1, I have increased the widthV of the edge section 65 (thereby accommodating longer transverse ribs)V and have formed a longitudinal side ribV comprised of a base portion rigid with the panel sections 65 and reinforced or protective edge portion 76 delineated by fold lines 77. As shown in FIGURE 21, the edge portion 76 may be folded inwardly over (or outwardly from) the remainder of Ithe divider to protect articles positioned in the recesses and to accommodate stacking of the dividers without harm to articles therein.

Another form of protective -ange means is shown in FIGURES 22 and 23, wherein the side edge portions of the blank are cut and scored in the same manner as the central portion 36 of the blank of FIGURE 16 and include a marginal ilange lor side rib 841* rigid with the transverse -rib sections 5S, whereby said side rib projects horizontally ioutward from the remainder `of the set-up divider, as shown in FIGURE 23. Y

From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that the present invention provides an extremely economical, yet highly practical and enicient divider formed from a single at sheet of stock =of minimum dimensions and affording substantially any characteristics desired in a divider. The dividers are formed with exceedingly little or no waste, thereby Vfurther contributing to their economy and practicality. Consequently, it is believed apparent that all of' the objects and advantages of the invention have been shown herein to be attained in a convenient, economical and practical manner. Y

While I have shown 'and described what I regard to be preferred embodiments of my invention, it willr be apreciated that various changes, rearrangements and'rnodi- -iications may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention, as defined by the appended claims.

I claim: Y l. A' divider blank for forming a plurality of `article positioning recesses comprising a unitary sheet having a longitudinaily extending side rib at one edge thereof, a second longitudinally extending rib spaced from said side rib, transversely extending endand divider ribs between said longitudinalV ribs, generally transverse cuts between said longitudinal ribs separating said end'and divider ribs from the adjacent parts of the sheet, longitudinal fold lines adjacent each of said side and second ribs accommodating relative folding of said end and divider ribs and the parts of the sheet between said end and divider ribs, longitudi-V nalY fold lines between said end and divider ribs spacedY from the iirstnamedfold lines, and fold lines in said ,Y

end and divider ribs intermediate their lengths. Y

n 2. A divider blank as set forth in claim l, wherein said side rib comprises an inwardly disposed base portionV and a plurality of tabs aligned respectively with said end and divider ribs and projecting outwardly from said base portion, said side rib being folded over onto the Vadjacent portions of said sheet and said tabs only being adhered at their ends being wider than said spaces, said side ribl f being folded over onto the adjacent portions of said sheet and said tabs being flexed between Iand locked under saidv end and divider ribs.

4. A divider blank as set forth in claim 1, wherein said side rib is of a transverse dimension greater than the spacing of the last-named fold lines from said side rib and comprises an inwardly disposed base portion and an outwardly disposed tab portion, a plurailty of locking tabs in said tab portion aligned respectively with the spaces between said end and divider ribs, said tabs being wider than said spaces, said side rib being folded over onto the adjacent portions of said sheet and said tabs being folded under said base portion of said side rib and said end and divider ribs and being locked under the latter.

5. A divider blank as set forth in claim l, wherein said side rib is rigid with the parts of the sheet between said end and divider ribs.

6. A divider blank as set for in clain 5, wherein said side rib comprises an inwardly disposed base portion and an outwardly disposed protective portion foidable relative to said base portion.

7. A divider blank as set forth in claim l, wherein said side rib is rigid with adjacent portions of said end and divider ribs.

8. A divider blank as set forth in claim l, wherein said generally transverse cuts each comprise a irst transversely extending portion between said second longitudinally extending rib and the last-named fold lines, a second transversely extending portion extending between said side rib and the last-named fold lines spaced from said iirst portion in the direction of the facing edge of the next adjacent end or divider rib, and a generally longitudinal portion connecting said iirst and second portions.

9. A divider blank as set forth in claim l, wherein said generally transverse cuts each comprise a pair of diagonal portions extending from adjacent said second rib and the last-named fold lines respectively toward one another in the direction of the facing edge of the next adjacent end or divider rib, and a generally transverse portion between said side rib and the last-named fold lines connected with the adjacent end of the adjacent diagonal portion; land a transverse fold line adjacent the inner edge of each end rib and adjacent each edge of each divider rib aligned generally with the ends of said diagonal portions adjacent said second and side ribs.

l0. A divider blank for forming a plurality of article positioning recesses comprising a unitary sheet having a pair of transversely spaced longitudinally extending ribs, two sets of transversely extending end and divider ribs extending toward one another from respective ones of said longitudinal ribs, generally transverse cuts along each edge of each end and divider ribs, the cuts along the edges of the ribs of the two sets being aligned but spaced from one another transversely of the blank, longitudinal fold lines in said end and divider ribs at the ends thereof spaced rom said longitudinal ribs, a longitudinal fold line in each end and divider rib intermediate its length, longitudinal fold lines between the end and divider ribs of each set, and longitudinal delineations adjacent each longitudinal rib accommodating relative folding of said end and divider ribs and the portions of the sheet between said end and divider ribs.

ll. A divider blank as set forth in claim l0, wherein said longitudinal delineations comprise fold lines.

l2. A divider blank as set forth in claim l0, wherein said longitudinal delineations comprise cuts.

Klein Apr. 27, 1954 Deakers Apr. l. 1958 

1. A DIVIDER BLANK FOR FORMING A PLURALITY OF ARTICLE POSITIONING RECESSES COMPRISING A UNITARY SHEET HAVING A LONGITUDINALLY EXTENDING SIDE RIB AT ONE EDGE THEREOF, A SECOND LONGITUDINALLY EXTENDING RIB SPACED FROM SAID SIDE RIB, TRANSVERSELY EXTENDING END AND DIVIDER RIBS BETWEEN SAID LONGITUDINAL RIBS, GENERALLY TRANSVERSE CUTS BETWEEN SAID LONGITUDINAL RIBS SEPARATING SAID END AND DIVIDER RIBS FROM THE ADJACENT PARTS OF THE SHEET, LONGITUDINAL FOLD LINES ADJACENT EACH OF SAID SIDE AND SECOND RIBS ACCOMMODATING RELATIVE FOLDING OF SAID END AND DIVIDER RIBS AND THE PARTS OF THE SHEET BETWEEN SAID END AND DIVIDER RIBS, LONGITUDINAL FOLD LINES BETWEEN SAID END AND DIVIDER RIBS SPACED FROM THE FIRST-NAMED, AND FOLD LINES IN SAID END AND DIVIDER RIBS INTERMEDIATE THEIR LENGTHS. 